Penang Local

The best recipes from Penang, an island obsessed with food.

As its Southeast Asian and Oceanic neighbors know, Malaysian cuisine is some of the best in the world. For centuries the Malay Peninsula has harbored ships from the Middle East, India, Europe, China and Indonesia. And while Kuala Lumpur might be the nation’s official capital, Penang is undoubtedly Malaysia’s food capital.

Penang is an island practically bursting at the seams with incredible (and spicy) food and with the people who love to eat it. Penang Local takes you on a culinary tour of Malaysia’s bustling, intoxicating north. With 70 recipes that define the cuisine, you can capture the magic of Malaysia at home.

Even a brisk walk through George Town is alive with the fragrances of laksa - coriander and cumin (the foundation of Malay curries), along with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, cardamom, star anise and fenugreek. This book captures a day in the life of this food-obsessed capital, featuring iconic national recipes that will quickly convert you to a chili-lover.